Below is my post, CREATIVITY.  Also see my SPECIAL MESSAGE TO MY READERS about changes in my blog this year.

Creativity started its upward climb of awareness and use in the 1960’s. Although it is most often associated with the arts, the more complete definition includes the ability to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities for solving problems, communicating, or entertaining.

Experts agree that creativity can be taught or developed by anyone at any age regardless of personality. If you are wondering how creative you or your children may be, it is most often measured by how many unique ideas or solutions you can come up with for a a problem you are trying to solve. Creativity develops over time so there is not just one way to flip the switch on according to psychologist Ben Michaelis, Ph.D. 

Creativity is enhanced by unstructured or do-nothing time, outdoor activity, dawdling, and daydreaming. The brain needs time and opportunity to play with what it already knows and extend that into fresh ideas, according to Donna Matthews. Ph.D., psychologist.

Below are some ideas for encouraging creativity in kids:

• Let kids take the lead in play.

• Turn familiar objects upside down (even pictures). See how long it takes them to notice. Have them try to draw them.

• Ask what 10 things an ordinary object could be other than what it is known for.

• Collect hats in your house: Count them, organize them by size and color, and take turns telling stories inspired by each hat. Let people wear the hats at dinner and repeat your stories for everybody’s enjoyment while eating dinner.

• If children are learning a skill, give them some time do it however it feels right to them. It is the creativity brought to a skill that can make them move from good at it to great at it.

For more about creative activities for children see SUMMER ACTIVITIES RERUNS.

This article Inspired by Laurie Yarnell’s “Things to Know about Creativity” from Good Housekeeping, June 2023.